Flippant Conversations

All signs are that the storm has now passed and the dusts are beginning to settle down, giving way to moments of nervous relaxation and flippant remarks that tell the inner angsts that have replaced the fear of death by COVID-19.

Lockdowns are lifted, kidu (relief) is now infra-dig, rents must be paid in full, interest meters at the financial institutions will start to jingle; monthly loan installments will be demanded to be paid regularly and in time.

All reliefs, concessions and waivers occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic are now off the table.

Two evenings back, sitting in a restaurant sipping whiskey, I was party to a number of saucy conversations among friends.

FIRST SPEAKER

I am now convinced that no less than 80% of the Bhutanese have been infected by the virus. I believe that it is for that reason that the government has announced that no further lockdowns will be imposed. All COVID related restrictions have been lifted. Citizens are advised not to visit JDWNRH - because doing so is guaranteed to get the visitor infected with the Omicron virus. 

SECOND SPEAKER

This means that Bhutan has achieved “Herd Immunity” which is a good thing – this is an ideal condition that all nations aspire for.

THIRD SPEAKER

That means the tables have now turned – we now have to worry about Bhutanese people infecting the visitors to the country (tourists) – and not the other way round.

FOURTH SPEAKER

No wonder the government is laying an egg on the decision to reopen tourism – they are scared we might infect the visiting tourists.

Board Members of the apex tourism body: The Tourism Council of Bhutan

FIFTH SPEAKER – ONE CALLING IN FROM OUTSIDE OF THIMPHU

What is happening to the decision on reopening of tourism?

SIXTH SPEAKER

The donkeys in the government are sitting on the decision.

FIFTH SPEAKER – ONE CALLING IN FROM OUTSIDE OF THIMPHU

What donkeys – they are worst then donkeys. The donkeys will atleast snort and wiggle their tails or kick once in a while. Our bureaucrats are numbed into stillness and dormancy - they are motionless.

SEVENTH SPEAKER

Mashey marey – I have stopped caring about my tourism business. Early next month I am heading for Australia and will spend a month or two there, to spend time with my partner. I may decide to resume my tourism business or may be I will just forget the whole thing – it is no longer what it used to be. Trowa mep yasoi (no enthusiasm).